The
search for a sea route across the top of the world linking Europe to
Asia – the fabled Northwest Passage – was one of the most difficult and
dangerous in the history of exploration.

Of the dozens of attempts, two are legends in themselves. The first, led
by Sir John Franklin in 1845, was the climax of Victorian Britain's
passion for conquest, as arrogant and heroic as any expedition in
history. The second, which set out in 1903 and fronted by the Norwegian
Roald Amundsen, was a penniless venture in a tiny second-hand fishing
boat but so revolutionary it tore up the rulebook of exploration. Both
leaders would pay a devastating price in their battle with the ice maze.

The Search for the Northwest Passage reconstructs both missions,
revealing why Franklin's two ships and 129 crew disappeared so
mysteriously, and why, despite his distinct lack of teamwork, Amudsen
succeeded. The testimony of scientists, historians and explorers create
an engrossing account of the two contrasting adventures.

Highly
recommended to all lovers of extraordinary documentary series that tells
the tales of these extraordinary men who risked everything for the name
of exploration and science. Riveting!